10 answers
- Nickyon May 29, 2017We always put red in. It's harmless and keeps them coming, we have hundreds!!HelpfulReply
- FLon May 29, 2017You don't have to, according to everything I have read. Just have a red colored tip or something red in or on the feeder. Have fun!HelpfulReply
- Kimon May 29, 2017Short answer is "no". The theory is that it harms the hummingbirds. My hummingbird nectar never has food coloring in it and it is covered with hummingbirds. My mother has somewhere around 20 feeders and she makes her nectar the same way I do. 3 parts water to 1 part sugar- no food coloring.. (3cups water/1cup sugar)HelpfulReply
- Dga24347414on May 29, 2017We use just sugar water and have had good luckHelpfulReply
- Janet Pizaroon May 29, 2017There are many conflicting articles on this,to be safe use plants to attract more hummingbirds,Salvia,Cuphera,coneflower,black eyed susanHelpfulReply
- Jameson May 29, 2017DO NOT use any additives other than sugar with the water.HelpfulReply
- Pam Lindauon May 30, 2017No! Just use simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved and liquid is clear)HelpfulReply
- Johnon May 30, 2017hummingbirds are especially attracted to yellows, oranges, reds....I always have more at the reds and orangesHelpfulReply
- Tam13317878on May 30, 2017I'd always heard a 3 to 1 ratio; 3 parts sugar to one part water. Food dye isn't needed although they are attracted to red so that is why the red colored feeders are most popular.HelpfulReply
- Beachem2015on May 30, 2017No please don't use red dye, Not good for the birds anymore than it is for us. I have about 15 hummingbirds at my feeders daily with only a clear solution. As long as your feeder is red and colorful they will come!HelpfulReply